At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the estimating team and manage major structural steel project tenders.
- Company: Established employee-owned structural steel business with over 40 years of success.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, profit-related bonuses, 33 days holiday, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on safety, quality, and career development.
- Why this job: Shape the estimating function and directly impact business growth in high-profile projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating structural steel projects and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Location: West Yorkshire
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience
Job Type: Permanent | Full-time
The Company
This established, employee-owned structural steel business has been trading successfully for more than 40 years, with long-standing relationships with major principal contractors and a growing portfolio of high-profile projects. They design, detail and fabricate structural steelwork, with a skilled workforce that has developed many of its careers within the business. With further growth secured, they are now looking for an Estimating Manager to lead the estimating function and play a key role in turning new opportunities into profitable projects.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you will take responsibility for both the commercial quality of tenders and the performance of the estimating team. You will:
- Lead and develop the Estimating team, setting clear targets and improving performance against departmental KPIs.
- Manage incoming enquiries and oversee the pipeline from initial opportunity through to tender.
- Price major structural steel projects yourself, with an expectation of personally converting a minimum of three enquiries per week.
- Build competitive subcontractor and subtrade pricing through negotiation and supplier engagement.
- Develop relationships with clients, contractors, engineers, architects and consultants, representing the business at pre-tender interviews and post-tender presentations.
- Report regularly to the Leadership Team on enquiry status, pipeline activity and commercial opportunities.
What They're Looking For
You should have:
- Experience estimating structural steel projects, ideally across 50-3,000 tonnes.
- Strong knowledge of building construction and a good understanding of structural and civil engineering.
- The ability to accurately interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Experience budgeting projects using commercial judgement and previous project experience.
- A strong understanding of structural steel costing and estimating processes.
- Experience dealing directly with contractors, engineers, architects and consultants.
- Experience reviewing Tekla models to assess the constructability of structures.
- Strong commercial awareness, including value engineering and identifying practical solutions to project challenges.
- Previous line management experience and the ability to develop an estimating team.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to deal with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Project.
- An HNC/BSc in Building Studies or a similar discipline would be advantageous.
- MCIOB or RICS chartership would be beneficial but is not essential.
- Structural steel design experience would also be advantageous, but is not essential.
Why This Role?
This is more than a senior estimating position. You will have the opportunity to shape and develop an entire estimating function, while still remaining commercially involved in major tenders yourself. The business has secured further high-profile projects and has strategic growth plans in place, meaning the estimating team will play a significant role in determining what work comes through the door and how successfully it is converted. You'll be joining an employee-owned business with a strong focus on safety, compliance, quality and people, alongside a workforce where many employees have developed their careers internally.
The package includes:
- Negotiable salary depending on experience
- Profit-related bonus scheme
- 33 days' holiday, including bank holidays
- Flexi-time
- Contributory pension - 3% employee / 5% company
- Employee discounts through a benefits portal
- Monday-Friday working week
- 37.5 hours per week
Interested?
If you're an experienced Structural Steel Estimator ready to step into a role where you can lead a team, influence the direction of the estimating function and have a direct impact on business growth, get in touch for a confidential conversation. The company details, project portfolio and full package can be discussed with you directly.
Sales & Estimating Manager employer: Novax Recruitment
Join a leading structural steel fabrication business that values innovation and excellence, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact high-profile projects across London and the UK. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and opportunities for long-term career progression within a supportive team environment. This role not only allows you to develop meaningful client relationships but also positions you at the forefront of landmark construction schemes, making it an exciting place to advance your career.
